Cookie Policy
Last Updated: December 2025
Effective Date: 18.12.2025
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy (“Policy”) explains how ESTEL and its partners use cookies and similar tracking technologies on the ESTEL website and platform. This Policy applies to all visitors and users (“you”, “your”).
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences and login information
- Understand how you use our website and platform
- Measure campaign effectiveness
- Deliver targeted advertising
- Improve user experience
Please read this Policy carefully. For general information about how we collect and use personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?
2.1 Cookies
A cookie is a small text file stored on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) that contains information about your browsing activity. Cookies are sent to your device when you visit a website and returned to that website on subsequent visits.
Types of cookies include:
- Session cookies – temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies – remain on your device for a defined period
- First-party cookies – set by the website you visit (estel.tech)
- Third-party cookies – set by external services (analytics, advertising, etc.)
2.2 Similar Tracking Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use:
- Local Storage – data stored locally on your device
- Pixels / Web Beacons – small tracking images
- Device identifiers – unique device identifiers
- Session replay technologies – recording user interactions (e.g. Hotjar)
3. Cookies We Use
3.1 Essential / Functional Cookies
Purpose: Enable core website functionality.
Cookie NameProviderDurationPurposeestel_sessionESTELSessionMaintains login session and authenticationuser_preferencesESTEL1 yearStores language and display preferencescsrf_tokenESTELSessionSecurity token preventing cross-site attackscookie_consentESTEL1 yearStores cookie consent choices
These cookies are strictly necessary and cannot be disabled.
3.2 Analytics Cookies
Purpose: Understand how users interact with our website and platform.
Google Analytics
PropertyDetailsProviderGoogle LLC (USA)Cookie Names_ga, _gid, _gatDurationUp to 2 yearsPurposeWebsite traffic analysis and conversion trackingData CollectedAnonymized IP, browser type, pages visitedOpt-OutGoogle Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on
Use case: Measuring traffic patterns, user journeys, and campaign performance.
Matomo
PropertyDetailsProviderESTEL (self-hosted or cloud)Cookie Names_pk_id, _pk_ref, _pk_sesDuration13 months / sessionPurposeFirst-party analyticsData CollectedAnonymized usage dataOpt-OutAvailable via Cookie Preference Center
Use case: Privacy-focused analytics fully controlled by ESTEL.
3.3 Marketing and Retargeting Cookies
Purpose: Deliver targeted advertising and measure campaign effectiveness.
Google Ads
PropertyDetailsProviderGoogle LLC (USA)Cookie Names_gcl_au, gac*DurationUp to 90 daysPurposeConversion tracking and ad performanceOpt-OutGoogle Ads Settings
Facebook Pixel
PropertyDetailsProviderMeta Platforms, Inc. (USA)IdentifierFacebook Pixel IDDurationPersistentPurposeRetargeting and conversion trackingOpt-OutFacebook Ad Preferences
LinkedIn Insight Tag
PropertyDetailsProviderLinkedIn Ireland Unlimited CompanyIdentifierLinkedIn Pixel IDDurationPersistentPurposeB2B conversion trackingOpt-OutLinkedIn Cookie Policy
3.4 Session Recording and User Experience Cookies
Hotjar
PropertyDetailsProviderHotjar Ltd (Malta)Cookie Names_hjid, hjSession*DurationUp to 365 daysPurposeSession recordings, heatmapsOpt-OutHotjar Opt-Out
Use case: Improving usability and identifying friction points.
4. Third-Party Cookies and Data Sharing
We work with trusted third parties, including:
- Google LLC
- Meta Platforms, Inc.
- LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company
- Hotjar Ltd
These providers may process data outside the EU/EEA using approved safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.
5. Cookie Consent and Preference Management
5.1 Consent Requirements
Under GDPR and ePrivacy rules:
- Essential cookies do not require consent
- Analytics and marketing cookies require explicit opt-in
5.2 Cookie Banner
Upon your first visit, you will see a cookie banner with:
- Accept All
- Reject All
- Manage Preferences
5.3 Changing or Withdrawing Consent
You may change your preferences at any time by:
- Clicking Cookie Settings in the website footer
- Clearing browser cookies
- Contacting privacy@estel.tech
6. International Data Transfers
Some services may transfer data outside the EU, including the United States. These transfers are protected by GDPR-approved safeguards.
7. Cookie Duration and Data Retention
ServiceRetention PeriodGoogle AnalyticsUp to 26 monthsMatomoTypically 13 monthsFacebook PixelPlatform-definedLinkedIn PixelPlatform-definedHotjarUp to 365 days
8. Do Not Track (DNT)
ESTEL does not respond to browser “Do Not Track” signals. You can manage tracking via cookie preferences or browser settings.
9. Browser Controls
Most browsers allow you to manage cookies via privacy settings, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
10. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Policy periodically. Changes will be reflected by updating the “Last Updated” date and, where required, requesting renewed consent.
11. Contact Information
Email: privacy@estel.tech
Company: ESTEL
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
You may also contact your national Data Protection Authority. In Bulgaria, this is the Commission for Personal Data Protection (CPDP).
12. Cookie Summary Table
ServiceCategoryConsent RequiredDurationESTEL SessionEssentialNoSessionESTEL PreferencesEssentialNo1 yearGoogle AnalyticsAnalyticsYesUp to 2 yearsMatomoAnalyticsYes13 monthsGoogle AdsMarketingYesUp to 90 daysFacebook PixelMarketingYesPersistentLinkedIn PixelMarketingYesPersistentHotjarUser ExperienceYes1 year
Version: 1.0
Effective as of: [Launch Date]